This blog is a review of the Corbiz Rechargeable LED Headlamp as it pertains to adventuring and looking for wildlife at night.
Recently, I was out in the Big Cypress National Preserve looking for pythons with a swashbuckling bad-ass that goes by the handle of Captain Ozzie.
Our python hunt began at dusk, which quickly faded to night. The kind of night that you would experience at Big Cypress Nature Preserve is the kind of night that is completely devoid of any light save for the light that generates from celestial bodies. It is dark out there!
The headlamp that I brought with me only illuminated a few feet in front of me. It was woefully inadequate for the Big Cypress darkness and was disrespectful to the pythons that I was looking for (they deserve an adventurer with the appropriate gear).
The Upgrade
A gear upgrade has come in the form of the Corbiz Rechargeable LED Headlamp.
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The Corbiz Rechargeable LED Headlamp boasts:
- Multi-mode headlamp
- 18,650 rechargeable batteries
- Water-proof
- Swings 90 degrees
- Adjustable strap
Multi-Mode Headlamp And Brightness
The headlamp consists of three lights – a main light that can be focused and two supporting lights.
The lights can be cycled through to power only the main light, power only the supporting lights, power all three at the same time, or strobe all three at the same time (you never know when you are about to get pounced on by something terrifying and a strobing light might save you).
This headlamp is BRIGHT! The light generated from the headlamp clearly cuts through the darkness at a distance of about 50 yards. At a greater distance, the light starts to diminish, but it is still powerful enough to catch eye-shine off in the distance.
Note: do NOT look into the headlamp when it is on as it is blinding. Keep that in mind when you are talking to someone while you are wearing an activated headlamp. You will likely see them doing everything they can do look away as you are blinding them.
Rechargeable Batteries
The headlamp comes with two 18650 rechargeable batteries.
If you have serious night exploring to do it might be wise to bring an extra set of batteries. I did not test how long the batteries would last, but do you really want to roll the dice on your headlamp dying if you are in the middle of a wild place?
How do rechargeable batteries help you find wildlife? They don’t, but at least they are eco-friendly. That is a thing that matters, you see.
Note: When you get the Corbiz Rechargeable LED Headlamp the batteries are in the case, but wrapped in plastic. You would be wise to take them out of the plastic when you charge the headlamp for the first time. Just saying!
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Waterproof
I hadn’t had a chance to field test this headlamp at night in the rain. So, I literally ran it underwater for a few minutes and it still works!
I’ve been caught in spontaneous deluges in the Amazon and the Everglades before. Having a waterproof headlamp might not seem like a big deal, but if it is your only source of light in the dark in the middle of the wilderness you will be thankful for this feature.
90 Degree Flexibility
Here is the deal with using a headlamp for nocturnal critter spotting. You want the beam to be even with the ground for spotting critters off in the distance. However, you want the beam to be focused at your feet for critters that are right in front of you (otherwise, you would have to crane head downward to get the beast in the light). This headlamp does indeed have a full 90 degree range.
If I’m in the Amazon at night I’m loving this feature. I want the flexibility to bend the headlamp at my feet so I can see the toads, tarantulas, and other horrifying arachnids at my feet. However, I want the ability to bend the headlamp back up so I can look for eye-shine of stalking jaguars. Did think about that, did you? That was a scary nocturnal jungle hike…
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Adjustable Strap
Look, there isn’t anything to say about an adjustable strap. It’s comfortable and it’s adjustable enough that it will fit over my gigantic head when I’m wearing a hat.
Recommendation
I would definitely recommend the Corbiz Rechargeable LED Headlamp for searching for wildlife at night. It’s powerful, waterproof, and comfortable to wear.
Ya know, Captain Ozzie and I never did find any pythons on that trip. Sounds like I need to get back to Big Cypress and give it another go. Those slithery devils have it coming!